Head of Arts and Music

Head of Arts and Music

Glasgow Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Arts and Music team to deliver innovative cultural programmes in Glasgow.
  • Company: Glasgow Life inspires active lives through culture and sport, enhancing community well-being.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, hybrid working, and discounts on memberships and shops.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping Glasgow's cultural landscape and promoting inclusion and happiness.
  • Qualifications: Degree-level education or equivalent experience in arts management or cultural policy required.
  • Other info: Diversity is key; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Acting as the lead officer for the implementation of Glasgow’s Culture Strategy 2024–2030, the postholder will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering programmes that are inclusive, innovative, and impactful.

As a Head of Art and Music, you’ll be joining our Glasgow Life Arts & Music team. We provide people with valuable and meaningful experiences through arts and music. Our high-quality services, world-class events and festivals benefit the people of Glasgow. We help people experience the benefits of taking part in cultural programmes and events. These contribute to Glasgow’s visitor economy. We make sure everyone gets the most out of Glasgow Life and use culture to promote inclusion and happiness.

About Glasgow Life: Glasgow Life is the charity which inspires people to lead richer, more active lives through culture and sport. We believe that everyone deserves a great Glasgow life. We deliver innovative cultural and sporting programmes and events that improve mental, physical, and economic well-being. Glasgow Life also creates unforgettable experiences for tourists, strengthening the city’s visitor economy. We stage world-class events, conferences, and festivals that enhance Glasgow’s international reputation.

The Role: As a Head of Art and Music, you’ll lead a multi-disciplinary team, contribute to organisation-wide planning and change programmes, and ensure culture continues to enhance the wellbeing and vibrancy of Glasgow’s communities and economy.

The Candidate: If you’re interested in joining us, you’ll need:

  • Education to degree level (or equivalent senior-level experience) in a relevant field such as cultural policy, arts management, or creative industries leadership.
  • A proven track record of strategic leadership in a senior role, with the ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams, shape organisational direction, and deliver results within a complex arts, culture, or music environment.
  • A sound understanding of the challenges and opportunities in delivering arts and music services in a public and third sector context.
  • Strong financial and budget management skills with an in-depth knowledge of the arts and cultural funding landscape and a proven ability to secure, manage, and grow income from diverse sources.
  • Experience of designing or delivering inclusive cultural programmes in partnership with diverse communities and communities of interest.

We offer hybrid working for some roles, with teams working between the office and home. Your line manager will agree these days with you, if suitable. This balance enables you to continue much-needed collaborative working.

We believe in the transformational power of the programmes and events we provide for the people and visitors of Glasgow. If you would like to be a part of what we do, we’d love to hear from you.

Diversity Matters at Glasgow Life: We’re committed to reflecting Glasgow’s diversity in our workforce. Glasgow Life is on a journey to develop a workplace that reflects the communities we serve, where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We’re a Disability Confident and Carer Positive employer and invite candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Closing Date: 1st June 2025 at 23:59

Interviews: Week beginning 9th June 2025

Head of Arts and Music employer: Music Mark - The UK Association for Music Education

Glasgow Life is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the cultural landscape of Glasgow through innovative arts and music programmes. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer generous benefits including 30 days of holiday, a supportive work culture that values diversity, and opportunities for professional growth within a vibrant community-focused environment. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of Glasgow's residents and visitors while enjoying a flexible hybrid working model.
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Contact Detail:

Music Mark - The UK Association for Music Education Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Arts and Music

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Glasgow's Culture Strategy 2024–2030. Understanding the strategic goals and initiatives will help you align your vision and demonstrate how your leadership can contribute to these objectives during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the arts and music sector in Glasgow. Attend local events, workshops, or seminars to connect with key players and gain insights into the current challenges and opportunities within the community.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams by preparing examples of past projects where you successfully managed diverse groups. Be ready to discuss how you foster collaboration and innovation in your leadership style.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Glasgow Life’s existing cultural programmes and identify areas for potential growth or improvement. This will allow you to propose fresh ideas that resonate with their mission and demonstrate your proactive approach to enhancing the arts and music landscape.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Arts and Music

Strategic Leadership
Team Management
Cultural Policy Knowledge
Arts Management
Creative Industries Leadership
Financial Management
Budget Management
Funding Acquisition
Community Engagement
Inclusive Programme Design
Event Planning
Stakeholder Collaboration
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of the Head of Arts and Music position. Familiarise yourself with Glasgow Life's Culture Strategy 2024–2030 and how your experience aligns with their goals.

Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in arts management, cultural policy, and leadership. Emphasise your track record in strategic leadership and managing multidisciplinary teams, as these are crucial for this role.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for arts and culture, as well as your understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the sector. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your ability to deliver inclusive cultural programmes.

Showcase Financial Acumen: Given the importance of financial management in this role, be sure to include examples of your experience with budget management and securing funding. Highlight any successful initiatives where you have grown income from diverse sources.

How to prepare for a job interview at Music Mark - The UK Association for Music Education

✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience

As a Head of Arts and Music, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic leadership skills. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams and shaped organisational direction in previous roles.

✨Understand Glasgow's Cultural Landscape

Familiarise yourself with Glasgow’s Culture Strategy 2024–2030 and the unique challenges and opportunities within the city's arts and music scene. This knowledge will help you articulate how you can contribute to the organisation's goals.

✨Highlight Financial Acumen

Be ready to discuss your experience with financial and budget management. Provide examples of how you've secured and managed funding for arts and cultural projects, showcasing your ability to grow income from diverse sources.

✨Emphasise Inclusivity in Programmes

Given the role's focus on delivering inclusive cultural programmes, prepare to discuss your experience in designing or implementing initiatives that engage diverse communities. Highlight any partnerships you've formed to enhance community involvement.

Head of Arts and Music
Music Mark - The UK Association for Music Education
Location: Glasgow
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